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Learn to develop more effective treatments for diseases and discover how chemicals may modify living systems. You’ll be trained to become a research scientist.

If you love lab work and the idea of discovering how chemicals may modify living systems this is the degree for you.

You’ll gain knowledge of the fundamental principles of chemistry, biology and the physical sciences and be able to apply these principles to specific problems in pharmacology. Through our hands-on classes, you’ll develop practical laboratory skills.

This course will provide you with an integrated view of drug action linked to normal and disease-related functions of the major organ systems.

You’ll be trained to be a high quality, innovative and independent research scientist. As a pharmacologist, you can go on to work on the development of new treatments for both human and animal diseases.

The Master of Pharmacology (MPharmacol) course provides you with a greater exposure to research and practical techniques. As part of the MPharmacol you’ll undertake a placement year in a pharmaceutical company, research institute or university. You will also complete an extensive research project, giving you invaluable experience of working in the field.

Teaching

You’ll learn from active researchers who specialise in different areas of pharmacological sciences, including drug and target discovery, pharmacological evaluation and medicines design. Their international collaborations and research activities feed into undergraduate teaching and contribute to your learning experience. 94% of pharmacy and pharmacology students agreed their learning benefited from modules informed by current research (National Student Survey 2017).

Facilities

You'll develop key practical skills in our dedicated pharmacology laboratory, where you will gain experience in a wide range of traditional and molecular laboratory techniques. You’ll also have the opportunity to complete the Home Office Licence Module Training Course during your degree.

You’ll be supported throughout your studies with small group tutorials, interactive workshops and one-to-one meetings with a Personal Tutor.

Careers

Graduates are well suited to research careers within the pharmaceutical industry and many also choose to go on to postgraduate study. You’ll benefit from our strong links with the pharmaceutical industry, with recent employers including GlaxoSmithKline, AstraZeneca, and UCB. Find out more about what our graduates go on to do.

Find out more about pharmacology at Bath:

Course structure

This course lasts 4 years. It starts in September 2019 and ends in 2023. Induction week starts on 23 September 2019.

Occasionally we make changes to our programmes in response to, for example, feedback from students, developments in research and the field of studies, and the requirements of accrediting bodies. You will be advised of any significant changes to the advertised programme, in accordance with our Terms and Conditions.

Units

At Bath, our courses are made up of units of study. Compulsory units cover core concepts that you'll need to understand as part of your degree programme. Some of our courses also offer the opportunity for you to study optional units. These allow you to specialise in particular areas of knowledge that interest you.

As an undergraduate, you will be expected to take 60 credits (ECTS) in each academic year. These are usually split into 30 credits for each semester you study. Sixty credits are the equivalent of 1200 notional hours of study; this includes contact time with staff and your own independent learning.

Compulsory course units

These compulsory units are currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new units.

Placement

We’re the only UK university to offer an integrated year-long placement as part of a Master of Pharmacology degree.

A placement is an opportunity for you to apply your skills and knowledge to a year working in industry. You’ll be employed full-time in a role to match your future career ambitions. It will broaden your experience and transferable skills, giving you a competitive edge when applying for graduate jobs.

We have strong links with some of the industry’s leading companies. Recent employers include GlaxoSmithKline, AstraZeneca and UCB.

Placement opportunities can't be guaranteed but you will receive tailored support from our specialist team to help you secure a placement.

Learning and assessment

Learning

Assessment

Typical assessment breakdown

This average assessment breakdown is based on a typical choice of optional units. Your specific unit choices will determine the actual breakdown of assessment methods that you will experience.

% written exam

% practical exam

% coursework

Year

Written Exam

Practical Exam

Coursework

Year 1

81%

3%

16%

Year 2

67%

0%

33%

Year 3

0%

20%

80%

Year 4

60%

9%

31%

Typical contact time breakdown

This average contact time breakdown is based on a typical choice of optional units. Scheduled learning and teaching may include: lectures, seminars, tutorials and workshops. Your optional unit choices will determine your actual personal contact hours.

% time in scheduled learning and teaching

% time in independent study

% time in placement/year abroad

Year

Scheduled

Independent

Placement

Year 1

30%

70%

0%

Year 2

28%

72%

0%

Year 3

1%

19%

80%

Year 4

29%

71%

0%

This information shows typical student contact time based on information from the 2016/17 academic year. For new courses, this information is based on a typical choice of optional units.

‘I really love lab work and in our second year, we got to spend two whole days a week in the lab. I really enjoyed that and I felt that it really set me up and was really good fun.’

—
Ella Symons
MPharmacol Pharmacology (2018)

Entry requirements

Your application, especially your personal statement, should demonstrate your enthusiasm for studying pharmacology and drug development. This might include relevant reading, voluntary or work experience, areas of interest from your current studies or other relevant extra-curricular and co-curricular activities.

You will need a strong performance in Chemistry and a second core science or mathematics subject as part of your entry qualifications.

Origin of qualifications

Select the country where your qualification comes from.

British qualifications

A level
Typical offer

AAB

AAB in three A levels including Chemistry and one other science or mathematics subject.

If you are taking a GCE A level in a science subject, you will need to pass any separate science practical endorsement.

A level
Alternative offer

ABB

ABB in three A levels including Chemistry and one other science or mathematics subject plus one of:

grade A in an EPQ

grade B in the Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate

grade M1 in Cambridge Pre-U Global Perspectives

If you receive an offer for this course and are studying one of these qualifications you will be given both the typical and alternative offer. If you are taking a GCE A level in a science subject, you will need to pass any separate science practical endorsement.

International Baccalaureate Diploma
Typical offer

36 points

36 points overall and 6, 6, 5 in three Higher Level subjects including Chemistry and one other science or mathematics subject.

We accept Sports, Exercise and Health Science as a science subject for this course.

BTEC
Typical offer

We are able to consider the above qualifications in Applied Science (excluding Physical Science).

If you are studying towards a BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (RQF) then you must be studying the following units: Physiology of Human Body Systems, Biological Molecules and Metabolic Pathways and Applications of Organic Chemistry. We prefer you to have also studied the following units: Genetics and Genetic Engineering, Diseases and Infections, Biomedical Science, and Practical Chemical Analysis.

See the ‘Combinations of qualifications’ section for information about combinations of A level and BTEC qualifications that we can consider.

Cambridge Pre-U
Typical offer

D3, D3, M1

D3, D3, M1 in three principal subjects including Chemistry and one other science or mathematics subject.

Cambridge Pre-U
Alternative offer

D3, M1, M1

D3, M1, M1 in three principal subjects including Chemistry and one other science or mathematics subject plus one of:

grade M1 in Cambridge Pre-U Global Perspectives

grade A in an EPQ

grade B in the Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate

If you receive an offer for this course and are studying one of these qualifications you will be given both the typical and alternative offer.

Scottish Highers
Typical offer

AB in Advanced Highers

AB in two Advanced Highers including Chemistry and one other science or mathematics subject plus AAABB in five Scottish Highers.

Access to HE Diploma
Typical offer

33 credits at Distinction

A pass in the Access to HE Diploma (in Science or Science and Engineering) with 33 credits achieved at Distinction in science or mathematics units and 6 credits at Merit or above. This must include 15 credits from chemistry units achieved at Distinction.

We are able to consider Access to HE Diplomas in Science and Science and Engineering. Our Pharmacology course is academically challenging and requires solid foundations of knowledge in Chemistry. You will need to have studied Chemistry units worth at least 15 credits, including at least 3 credits of Organic Chemistry but excluding Biochemistry.

Recent successful applicants have studied between 15 and 21 credits of Chemistry as part of their Access course and a high proportion of Organic Chemistry. Due to the time-limited nature of an Access course, you will be expected to have also completed a significant level of independent study in order to further develop and refine these skills.

Open University credits
Typical offer

Pass units worth 120 credits, including a minimum of a Pass 2 (70%) in a relevant Level 2 Chemistry unit.

You are typically expected to study at least 120 credits including at least 30 credits at Level 2. You should ideally be taking units including S112 Science: concepts and practice and S215 Chemistry: Essential Concepts. This information is a guide and we consider students applying with Open University Credits on a case-by-case basis. We will consider your application carefully and take note of any previous qualifications or relevant work experience. We may be able to consider alternative units to those listed. Please contact us to discuss your profile.

Taking OU credits may be counted as degree-level study by the Student Loans Company and therefore may be counted as previous study and have an impact on your ability to access student loans/grants for the entirety of your chosen degree. We recommend that you discuss this in detail with the SLC before following this progression route to the University of Bath.

Combinations of qualifications
Typical offer

Your application will be considered individually based on the particular combination of qualifications and subjects you are taking.

We can consider combinations of accepted qualifications, such as A levels and a BTEC:

AB in A level Chemistry and a second science or mathematics subject plus D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma (QCF)/National Extended Certificate (RQF) OR the Cambridge Technical Introductory Diploma (QCF)/Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate (RQF). We cannot consider BTEC qualifications in Applied Science alongside Chemistry and a second science or mathematics subject

AB in two A level subjects plus D3 in a Pre-U principal subject including Chemistry and a second core science or mathematics subject

AB in two A level subjects plus 6 in an IB HL Certificate including Chemistry and a second core science or mathematics subject. While we do not consider the IB Careers Programme for entry, we are able to consider the combinations of components that are typically offered by this route, such as BTEC and IB HL Certificate combinations

AAB in A level Chemistry and a second science or mathematics subject plus the LIBF Level 3 Diploma in Financial Studies (DipFS)

We can also consider combinations that are not listed and that do not include A levels. You should read the information about essential and preferred subjects and subject combinations. We cannot consider different qualifications in the same subject area.

New Zealander qualifications

National Certificate in Educational Achievement (NCEA)

Level 3 Diploma achieved with Merit including two Level 3 subjects with 14 credits at Excellence (E) and one Level 3 subject with 14 credits at Merit (M) including Chemistry and another mathematics or science subject.

A levels or the International Baccalaureate Diploma

We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.

International Foundation Years

If you have not studied qualifications we typically accept or you do not expect to meet our requirements in your current studies you may wish to consider an International Foundation Year.

Canadian qualifications

Secondary School Diploma

an average of 85% in the Diploma with 88%, 88%, 85% in three Year 12 subjects including Chemistry and one other mathematics or science subject.

We also accept the Canadian International Matriculation Programme. Our requirements are the same as for the Secondary School Diploma.

Advanced Placement Tests

We accept Advanced Placement Tests. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United States of America' section.

International Baccalaureate Diploma

We accept the IB Diploma and our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section. If you are studying a mixture of IB courses and College Board qualifications please contact us for advice.

International Foundation Years

If you have not studied qualifications we typically accept or you do not expect to meet our requirements in your current studies you may wish to consider an International Foundation Year.

Japanese qualifications

Unfortunately we are unable to accept students onto our degrees on the basis of this qualification alone. You will need to take an additional course before applying to us. This could be A levels, the International Baccalaureate Diploma or a recognised foundation course. Please contact us for further advice.

A levels or the International Baccalaureate Diploma

We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.

International Foundation Years

If you have not studied qualifications we typically accept or you do not expect to meet our requirements in your current studies you may wish to consider an International Foundation Year.

Russian qualifications

Unfortunately we are unable to accept students onto our degrees on the basis of this qualification alone. You will need to take an additional course before applying to us. This could be A levels, the International Baccalaureate Diploma or a recognised foundation course. Please contact us for further advice.

A levels or the International Baccalaureate Diploma

We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.

International Foundation Years

If you have not studied qualifications we typically accept or you do not expect to meet our requirements in your current studies you may wish to consider an International Foundation Year.

Jordanian qualifications

General Secondary Education Certificate (Tawjihi)

Unfortunately we are unable to accept students onto our degrees on the basis of this qualification alone. You will need to take an additional course before applying to us. This could be A levels, the International Baccalaureate Diploma or a recognised foundation course. Please contact us for further advice.

A levels or the International Baccalaureate Diploma

We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.

Advanced Placement Tests

We accept Advanced Placement Tests. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United States of America' section. You will need to hold an English language qualification (such as IELTS) in place of ACT or SATR scores as we can only accept these for United States citizens.

International Foundation Years

If you have not studied qualifications we typically accept or you do not expect to meet our requirements in your current studies you may wish to consider an International Foundation Year.

Emirati qualifications

Secondary School Certificate (Tawjihiyya)

Unfortunately we are unable to accept students onto our degrees on the basis of this qualification alone. You will need to take an additional course before applying to us. This could be A levels, the International Baccalaureate Diploma or a recognised foundation course. Please contact us for further advice.

A levels or the International Baccalaureate Diploma

We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.

Advanced Placement Tests

We accept Advanced Placement Tests. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United States of America' section. You will need to hold an English language qualification (such as IELTS) in place of ACT or SATR scores as we can only accept these for United States citizens.

Indian Higher Secondary School Certificate (12th Standard)

We accept the Indian 12th Standard and our entry requirements are listed under the 'India' section.

International Foundation Years

If you have not studied qualifications we typically accept or you do not expect to meet our requirements in your current studies you may wish to consider an International Foundation Year.

Thai qualifications

Higher Secondary School Certificate (Mathayom Suksa 6)

Unfortunately we are unable to accept students onto our degrees on the basis of this qualification alone. You will need to take an additional course before applying to us. This could be A levels, the International Baccalaureate Diploma or a recognised foundation course. Please contact us for further advice.

A levels or the International Baccalaureate Diploma

We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.

International Foundation Years

If you have not studied qualifications we typically accept or you do not expect to meet our requirements in your current studies you may wish to consider an International Foundation Year.

Chinese qualifications

Unfortunately we are unable to accept students onto our degrees on the basis of these qualifications alone. You will need to take an additional course before applying to us. This could be A levels, the International Baccalaureate Diploma or a recognised foundation course. Please contact us for further advice.

A levels or the International Baccalaureate Diploma

We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.

Canadian International Matriculation Programme

We accept this programme for direct entry and our requirements are the same as for a Canadian Secondary School Diploma. These are listed in the 'Canada' section.

International Foundation Years

If you have not studied qualifications we typically accept or you do not expect to meet our requirements in your current studies you may wish to consider an International Foundation Year.

Hong Kongese qualifications

Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education

554 in Chemistry, a second core science subject and third elective subject plus 5 in core Mathematics or 55 in Chemistry and a second elective subject plus 5 in core Mathematics and 5 in any Mathematics extended paper.

A levels or the International Baccalaureate Diploma

We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.

Advanced Placement Tests

We accept Advanced Placement Tests. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United States of America' section. You will need to hold an English language qualification (such as IELTS) in place of ACT or SATR scores as we can only accept these for United States citizens.

International Foundation Years

If you have not studied qualifications we typically accept or you do not expect to meet our requirements in your current studies you may wish to consider an International Foundation Year.

American qualifications

Advanced Placement Tests

5, 5, 4 in 3 APs including Chemistry and one other mathematics or science subject.

We accept no more than one Calculus AP as one of these 3 subjects.

You will also need to pass your High School Diploma and achieve an ACT score of 29 or SATR scores of 700 in both Mathematics and Evidence based Reading and Writing.

SAT Subject Tests

We do not accept SAT Subject Tests for direct entry to our degrees.

International Baccalaureate Diploma

We accept the IB Diploma and our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section. If you are studying a mixture of IB courses and College Board qualifications please contact us for advice.

International Foundation Years

If you have not studied qualifications we typically accept or you do not expect to meet our requirements in your current studies you may wish to consider an International Foundation Year.

German qualifications

Abitur

1.6 overall with 13, 12 in Chemistry and one other mathematics or science subject.

The required grades in Chemistry and another mathematics or science subject must be achieved in your final examinations if you take them. If you do not take one of these subjects in your final examinations, you will need an average grade across 4 semesters in it.

A levels or the International Baccalaureate Diploma

We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.

European Baccalaureate

We accept the European Baccalaureate and our entry requirements are listed under the 'European Baccalaureate' section.

English language requirements

Category B

You will normally need one of the following:

IELTS: 7.0 overall with no less than 6.5 in all components

The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 69 with no less than 62 in any element

Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE): 193 with no less than 175 in all elements

Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): 193 with no less than 175 in all elements

Singaporean qualifications

Singapore A levels

AAB in 3 H2 level subjects including Chemistry and one other science or mathematics subject.

Polytechnic Diploma (3 years)

3.3 overall in Biomedical Science, Cardiac, Medical or Biotechnology with a minimum B+ in Introduction to Pharmacology module.

A levels or the International Baccalaureate Diploma

We accept GCE and International A levels and the IB Diploma whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.

Advanced Placement Tests

We accept Advanced Placement Tests. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United States of America' section. You will need to hold an English language qualification (such as IELTS) in place of ACT or SATR scores as we can only accept these for United States citizens.

International Foundation Years

If you have not studied qualifications we typically accept or you do not expect to meet our requirements in your current studies you may wish to consider an International Foundation Year.

Cypriot qualifications

Apolytirion (awarded 2019 onwards)

18 in the Apolytirion with 18 in Advanced Chemistry and one other advanced mathematics or science subject.

If you are studying A levels alongside an Apolytirion and receive an offer for this course we will make you both the standard offer and an alternative offer including your A levels. The offer including A levels will be the same as the offer for Apolytirions awarded before 2019.

Apolytirion (awarded before 2019)

19 in the Apolytirion plus AB in two A levels including Chemistry and a second mathematics or science subject.

We cannot accept the Apolytirion awarded before 2019 unless it is studied alongside A levels.

A levels or the International Baccalaureate Diploma

We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.

English language requirements

Category B

You will normally need one of the following:

IELTS: 7.0 overall with no less than 6.5 in all components

The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 69 with no less than 62 in any element

Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE): 193 with no less than 175 in all elements

Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): 193 with no less than 175 in all elements

South Korean qualifications

Ilbankye Kodung Hakkyo (General High School Diploma)

Unfortunately we are unable to accept students onto our degrees on the basis of this qualification alone. You will need to take an additional course before applying to us. This could be A levels, the International Baccalaureate Diploma or a recognised foundation course. Please contact us for further advice.

A levels or the International Baccalaureate Diploma

We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.

International Foundation Years

If you have not studied qualifications we typically accept or you do not expect to meet our requirements in your current studies you may wish to consider an International Foundation Year.

Selection process

We will usually assess you based on your UCAS application. If you are studying certain qualifications, such as an Access to HE Diploma, you may be invited to attend an interview as part of our selection process so we can better assess your studies and experiences. If you are studying an Access to HE Diploma, please make sure that your UCAS application is submitted by 15th January 2019: if you apply after this deadline, then it may be too late for us to include you in our interview process.

Very exceptionally we may invite you to an interview if you have circumstances we cannot assess from an application alone.